How to Overcome Post-Graduation Depression

By: Khadejah Stegall

Khadejah is a part of the TLC College Ambassador Program and a recent graduate of North Carolina A&T University.

Congratulations! You graduated college with a degree. You accomplished a goal that many people may never have the resources to achieve. After graduation and all of the congratulations from your friends and family, it can get lonely. It can also get annoying when everyone is asking what your plans are after graduation and you don’t know. If you still do not have a job after obtaining a degree, it’s possible to get post-graduation depression. You are not alone, and post-graduation blues is more common than you think. Here’s some advice to regain your joy and learn how to trust the process.

BE THANKFUL AND FOCUS ON THE BIG PICTURE

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than one-third of the adult population in the United States has a bachelor’s degree or higher marking the first time in decades of data. A college degree is a huge blessing itself. Write down what you are thankful for every morning. It can be as little as being thankful for a great college experience, your vision and hearing. If you compare your problems to someone else, I promise it’s not as bad as it seems. It’s all in your mind and how much you choose to stress over it.

STOP THE COMPARISON GAME

Stop trying to compare yourself to others. You have your own story. Even the most successful people today had different paths. Taraji P. Henson had her first child in college and didn’t start auditioning for acting until she was 26. She took an office job first, but it wasn’t long before she began to audition for roles. Today, Taraji P. Henson is one the the most successful actresses in Hollywood. If Taraji compared herself with Halle Berry, who started acting at 23 and competing in pageants since the age of 17, she could have gotten discouraged and never lived her dream.

TAKE A BREAK FROM SOCIAL MEDIA

Your social media may be doing more harm if you are looking at people of your graduating class start their first day at work or people who look like they have life all figured out. You may tell yourself you aren’t jealous, but deep down you are wondering when it’s going to be your turn.

READ STORIES OF THOSE YOU ADMIRE

Oprah got fired from her reporter job in her twenties. Everybody has a struggle story that has gotten them to where they are now. No one’s journey came to them easy, so realize yours won’t be easy either, but worth it.

REALIZE THE PAIN IS TEMPORARY

It takes three to six months to find a new job. This pain is temporary, but it doesn’t have to be if you look at it with a different perspective. Enjoy this season in your life where you don’t have to work and get up early every day. Use this time to work on some goals you never had a chance to complete. Work out, eat healthier and read more.

ASK FOR HELP

It’s time to let down your pride and ask for help. Let others know you are looking for a job or reach out to your career center at your university and let them know you are job hunting. If you want to invest in yourself, read all the free resources there is on the internet about how to find a job and where to look. There’s a lot of free information out there.

DO WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO TO GET WHERE YOU WANT TO BE

If you have to move back home and work at your old job to pay bills temporarily and get back on your feet, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Moving back home after graduation is not as bad as it sounds. You can be in the space of comfort while trying to navigate adulting.

JOIN A SUPPORT GROUP

As stated earlier, you are not the only one left without a job after graduation. Join Facebook groups that talk about career challenges and ask questions in the group. If you want to take it a step further, you can even start your support group with alumni from your university. You all can encourage each other and give tips.

You will get through this phase in life, and TLC is here with you to keep it all the way real and provide support. Learn to trust the process and don’t rush it. When your time comes, I hope you realize why it was worth the wait!

Khadejah Stegall is a mommy blogger that inspires others to achieve the impossible through the power of Jesus. She enjoys family time, eating plant-based meals when it's convenient and mentoring others on professional development. To be inspired by more post, follow her blog at khadejahstegall.com